Community-Based Rehabilitation

Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) was initiated in 1978 by the WHO to improve access to rehabilitation services for people in low-income and middle-income countries. For this print/CD-ROM resource for CBR managers and community development workers, seven staple-bound booklets with heavy paper covers are bound together with two metal studs for a sturdy, non-traditional binding. The package offers guidelines and practical suggestions on how to strengthen CBR programs, with a strong focus on empowerment of disabled people. However, the guidelines do not provide step-by-step guidance on program development, and do not provide recommendations for medical/technical interventions. After an overview of the management cycle, the other booklets examine each of the five components of the CBR matrix: health, education, livelihood, social life, and empowerment. A supplementary booklet covers issues often overlooked: mental health, HIV/AIDS, leprosy, and humanitarian crises. Each booklet offers a reader-friendly layout with b&w drawings, boxes, key concepts, and numerous heading and sub-headings for clarity. The package will also be of interest to disabled people's organizations and self-help groups, local leaders and government officials, and personnel from NGOs. Information on the CD-ROM is not given. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)